What are Kepler's laws and why are they named after him?

In summary, the student is struggling with finding the equation and laws that relate to the calculations done in the project. The student is trying to find Kepler's laws, but is not sure why Kepler is the one honored and which law applies to the calculations.
  • #1
flipper2388
4
0
In class, we've been assigned a project over astronomy. We have graphed an equation for 6 of Jupiter's moons and the planets (separately), and the equation was a power equation T=ar^b. T is the orbital period of the moon or planet, r is the distance from the planet (or sun), and a and b are constants that we've determined. We also have to include a discussion on the three main laws that describe the motion of heavenly bodies, who they are named for, why s/he is the one that gets this honor, and which of the laws pertains to the calculations done here.

The part I need help with pertains to the laws. I believe they are Kepler's laws, but I don't know why Kepler got the honor or which law pertains to the calculations (or equation). Any help?
 
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  • #2
There's also Newton.

Check your forumla. The constant should not be the exponent. Look up Kepler's 3rd law.
 
  • #3
The formula is the one she gave us, so I can't change it or anything. It's the one that the whole project is based on and she gave it to us exactly like that. That's the reason I got confused is because the formulas for Kepler's laws aren't anything like this one, but yet it has to relate to one of three main planetary laws.

Or what laws of Newton relate to this? (There has to be three laws of his that relate to planetary motion, though, if I were to use him)
 
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  • #4
You're right that the laws she's referring to are Kepler's laws. The answer to the questions she's asking are mostly historical in nature, so you could easily find it in a google search of kepler's laws. For reference, here's the law for the solar system:

[tex]T^2=\frac{4\pi^2r^3}{GM_{sun}}[/tex]
 

FAQ: What are Kepler's laws and why are they named after him?

What are Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion?

Kepler's Laws are three laws that describe the motion of planets around the sun. They were developed by astronomer Johannes Kepler in the early 17th century and are still widely used in modern astronomy.

What is the first law of Kepler's Laws?

The first law, also known as the Law of Ellipses, states that the planets orbit the sun in elliptical paths with the sun at one focus. This means that the distance between the planet and the sun varies throughout its orbit.

What is the second law of Kepler's Laws?

The second law, also known as the Law of Equal Areas, states that a line that connects a planet to the sun will sweep out equal areas in equal time intervals. This means that a planet will travel faster when it is closer to the sun and slower when it is farther away.

What is the third law of Kepler's Laws?

The third law, also known as the Law of Harmonies, relates the orbital period of a planet to its distance from the sun. It states that the square of a planet's orbital period is proportional to the cube of its semi-major axis (the average distance from the sun).

How did Kepler's Laws contribute to our understanding of the solar system?

Kepler's Laws helped to establish the heliocentric model of the solar system, which states that the sun is at the center and the planets orbit around it. They also provided a more accurate description of planetary motion than previous models, which helped to advance our understanding of the universe.

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